My Prize

I have really been giving it some thought.What can I treat myself to that I would REALLY work hard to finish my UFOs for. I have come up with a few ideas but it will take some saving. I also dont know whether its worth putting the money into Gracie for. Maybe it would be better to just upgrade the head???? Here are my ideas.

Small Prize:
1.Saddle Chair
2. Edgerider wheels

Medium/Big Prize
1.Hydraulic Lifts

Large Prize
1. Stitch Regulator

The last one is the one I really really want BUT it is also my biggest hang up. When I first looked into this the only way it could be done was by shipping Gracie to Gammill headquarters. So that takes a $3500 uprade and you can add another $1000. I heard a rumor though that now a few authorised dealers are doing it now too.So I need to find that out.Maybe it would not be as much as before. BUT (there is that but again) maybe it wouldn't be worth it? Maybe I should just look into upgrading Gracie?? I am going to have to discuss this with Ron Paul when he visits this next week to give Gracie her check up.

The Hydraulic lifts are honestly more feasible for me. Not as much to save for and I defintely know would help the wear and tear on my body. I also have been told that its an easy upgrade that we (ahem hubby) could do.

The two smaller prizes I think will probably be earned anyways.Ü.Ugh I hate having these things floating around in my head.... I also know that If I manage to save the money for the stitch regulator I am going to sit and look at the amount and talk myself out of it. For the same amount my hubby and I could escape winter here for a few day.hmmmmmmmmmmm

Awards

Coffee wasnt needed this morning. Still enjoyed but not needed. I came fully awake when I went to visit Jan this morning.Then not even a few seconds later I went to visit Freda.Wow! I totally agree you ladies inspire me everyday and so deserve this award. Then to be awarded by you also! Thank you. A great group of ladies to be included in.That is the best award of all.

Arte Y Pico Award

This lovely statue is called the “Arte y Pico” award which was created to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creative energy and talents no matter whether it be in the form of writing, artwork, design, interesting material, or contributions to the blogger community. When a blogger receives this award it is considered a “special honor” and, once presented to you, it is to be passed on to at least 5 other bloggers who meet the criteria. ( I so totally cut and copied this, I hope thats legal!)

Now to award this to five bloggers that I am inspired by and read daily. I cant imagine starting my morning without these people. They are the first blogs I check in with. I award Jan, Freda, Heydebster,Peg, and Kay. I dont know how to do that cool link thingy but they are listed on the side of my blog. They are amazing ladies and lead such interesting fun lives. They always are the best to enjoy a good cuppa coffee with!

Now I have to show you what I bought yesterday! Swinging through the blogroll I came across Irenes post (http://sunimp07.blogspot.com/ ) on these shoes. I went to amazon and ordered them. There has been such discussion lately on what to do while quilting to ease pain and aches. I love my crocs but am still on the lookout for the perfect shoes...Could these be it? I will let you know. They sure sound like they could be. A little pricier then what I would pay for a pair of work shoes BUT if they help it will be worth it.

I also was reminded a few days ago when reading Jans post on something the Princess popped up with. I had forgotten but Jer and Ihad started a book we called Astridisms. She always pops up with some unusual stuff too. I went and found the little book and one just cracked me up. She was about 3 and we had just moved her into our house. The adoption was still another 2 years away.

The older two had put her in her car seat and were adjusting her straps. Jer and I were sitting in the front seat of my truck totally laughing as they both were arguing at how tight the straps should be so that she would be the safest. About 5 minutes into this she yells, "you people stop! these straps are to tight fix them or aint nobody in this car gonna have a little sister!" It took another 5 mintues for Jer to be able to even drive.

Saturday

My guys are out trying to catch some Halibut.I sure hope they do I am so hungry for halibut.One of my most favorite recipies and easiest is to mix lemon pepper and garlic in Mayonaise(we like it strong) and spread it on the halibut.About a 1/4 inch thick.Then bake.It is so yummy! I am sure it would be good on any fish.

This is Astrid first fish. Our friend Scott and dad took her out the other night and said she did an awesome job of bringing it in.Now she wants to fish ALL the time.Lol

I have decided to keep Pegs challenge going though the end of the year. Unfortunatly I didnt get my five done.But thats ok I did get four. So I am going to just keep it going to see what I can do before the end of this year.I have also decided that I am going to treat myself with a prize at the end of the year if I can get them all done. I dont know what yet but I am going to come up with something good. If I dont get them all done then thats ok too. Ill get myself a little prize Ü!

Here are the pics of the latest finish. I started it 5 years ago for Astrids big girl bed. She has been waiting for it awhile.Now the poor thing has to wait even a little longer as its going in the fair.Lol

Peg sent me another challenge button.I love these! Thanks Peg! Oops I almost forgot to add my next UFO to the list. I am adding my Oriental Jacket.I started this about 2 years ago and still work on it when I can.The applique is challenging though.But its time to be done so I am adding it. This is the back center panel. The only part that has applique on it. Well for now. Who knows what will be added to it later.

She who runs with scissors experiences shear bliss

is done!

Today was a good day for sewing. It rained outside all day and just felt like a sewing day. So instead of working on what I should have (customer quilts), I worked on what I wanted to. I got the binding sewn on by machine to Astrids Bad Hare Day, and almost have the baby boy quilt top done. I also made another 1/2 dozen burp rags.

We have finished the canning for the moment as we ran out of fish! Horrors of all horrors. No King was brought home yesterday by my house but we still did get to eat fresh King last night as someone shared a fillet. YUM! That whole tired of eating fish thing. I am over it. I want more King! I dont know this little guy who caught it but he was only 9 years old and was fishing with a friend of ours. Sweet little guy to share. Must be hid proud dad. Our friend is in the green jacket.

They also got to watch this young moose cross the river. Scott (our friend) said it was quite a chore as the mooses picked the roughest part to cross.
I never get tired of watching moose. Ooh I almost forgot to add what I am adding to my WIP list since I finished one. I am adding Turtle Beach. I started this about 9 years ago.Seriously! I started buying Hawaiian fabric every time we went to Hawaii. I didnt know what I was going to do with it but I knew it would be something special. About 3 years ago my MIL brought me home a picture of a quilt she saw hanging in a window in Hawaii. She thought it looked like me. I did fall in love with it. So I kind of redesigned it and came up with my better version. I work on it in fits but I really have decided I want it done. Here is what I have so far.
I actually didnt name it until today. Watching the news this morning there was a segment on a turtle that was killed on a beach in Hawaii. The beach's name is Turtle Beach. This beautiful female turtle that was always on the beach was killed. Many locals and tourists made a memorial to her. Today a male turtle who is also always on that beach made its way to shore and went to the memorial for his friend. He stayed their most of the day right there by his friends memorial before he went back into the ocean. It was so sad and so beautiful. So now I really want my quilt finished. Maybe someday I will get to see this beautiful beach where the sea turtles go.

Salmon

I have just about had enough. The bad thing is the year has JUST started. This is how I have been spending a lot of my time. For some odd reason I am canning challenged with fish. I just dont get it. I do everything right and could only be guilty of over thinking it but I loose atleast 1 jar per load.Most times its 2. So then we eat fish.....

I dont have this much of a problem doing veges. Oh well.

Five Before July

I cant belive it but I have something to report. I have about 6 inches on the binding of Runs With Scissors, then it will be done! I also threw another top on Gracie yesterday.It wasnt on my list but I decided to add it. Its called Astrid Bad Hair Day. I started it about 3 years ago. I should have been working on customer quilts but I decided to be selfish. I Love how it turned out.I will post pics after I get my camera back.Right now its on the Kenai River hopefully getting ready to capture a king being pulled in!

I have to tell you

what incredible people I think my BIL and SIL are. They are going through the worst pain a parent can go through.Their hearts are broken. But through this they were so concerned with the babysitter that they went over to spend time with her today. I dont know if I could of done that. My husband had went over to give her a hug and tell her we loved her.She is an old family friend (well her mother is).They were of course very distraught but shocked that Joe and Sonja would be thinking of them. Like I said I dont know if I could of done that.

Hubby spent the day at their house picking things up from the medics and packing boxes. Joe said he wouldnt go back to that house. I really understand that one.So now they are looking for a house to rent. Everyone is just numb right now. We cant even bury Erika as they have to do an autopsy first. Atleast though that will give all the out of town relatives time to get here. Jerikah my oldest is taking this so hard. She is out of town and wont be home until Wed. She wants to be with them now but I keep telling her when everyone else has had to go home they will need her badly.

So here I am rambling.Sorry. Thank you everyone for your warm wishes.Yet again you all are there for me. I have decided though enough is enough.We have had our quota for the next few years. So everyone PLEASE be safe and take care of yourselves. Our quota means no more tragedies for any of our friends and family too.

Tonight

was not a very good night. My 18month old neice drowned in the lake by her house. We dont know what happened.We only know she was with her babysitter. Plaeas hug your children.Their lives are so precious.

There is a rumor

That I might actually finish another UFO before the end of July! I actually quilted Runs With Scissors today. I finished two customer quilts and thought what the heck!

So all I have to do now is sew the binding on.Yay! Tomorrow is house cleaning day.I didnt do super tuesday this week so tomorrow is super friday. Hubby and son come home on Saturday so I guess it should be clean and not looking like it presently does. I am hoping to finish early so I can complete another customer quilt.

Two more and I will be caught up from my week off. That just feels good. I also need to pay for my Moda order and a thread order. Oh yeah that Lawyer too. Ugh........

Its Offical

Ok well maybe not totally offical but pretty close to it.

WE ARE NOT GETTING SUMMER!

It is yet again in the 50's, raining and cold. I am wearing a tank top sure.If I dont I wont get to wear one this year. But over that I have a sweatshirt AND a polar fleece jacket. I am so not kidding. I am also wrapped up in a quilt right now. ugh, ugh, ugh, and ugh. We have not had one nice warm day this whole so called summer. As you can tell this is my early thursday thump.

Here is that bear picture I promised. I realized I take horrible phone pictures.But atleast you can tell what it is.Ü

So I didnt get very much done today. I only got two things done off my list.I dont feel bad though as I went to lunch with a very good friend.Cant pass up an invite with a friend.So I just have to wow myself tomorrow.

I did put in an order to Moda today.For things I absolutely do not need adn I signed up for an apron swap.The link is on my sidebar. Be warned though it looks like WAY too much fun.Fall apron theme with, pie recipie, and oven mitt.Its a have to do!

What a busy day!

Hubby and son left this morning for prudoe bay. Hubby just called a few minutes ago to tell me they were headed for Talkeetna and were thinking about just crashing in the truck for the night.Wow that sounds like fun.......

I got so much done today.Yay for me! I finished the quilt on Gracie and Started another.That is a big accomplishment as both are just HUGE. I am very proud of myself on the second. The lady called me on Sat in a panic. A new customer that had gotten my name from one of the local shops.She needed this king done and within two weeks. Why I am proud though is because usually I am such a pushover and just squeeze them in.

This time however I told her I would do it but I charge a rush fee.She didnt even hesitate! Hubby is always telling me that if I could just get the guts up to tell people this it would be ok, but it just has always scared me.Silly I know but there it is. Anyways I knew I was facing a long week of quilting especially if I fit her in so it had to be worth it. Now it is. The great thing is, is that I should be done with it tomorrow or Wed. by the latest. I havent decided wether I am working or not tomorrow.

I also got the applique done on the baby boy quilt.It isnt that big of a deal and when I can find my camera I will post a picture. But I am happy all I have left is the peicing.

I also need to post a picture of what we saw crossing the highway on Sat............. A big ole Brown Bear! First time ever for me seeing one this large and crossing the highway right around a large subdivision.Kinda scary as all the bears I have seen here have been little.So when I can find the software for my phone I will post it.

So

how do you explain to a non quilter how GOOD it feels to loose yourself in quilting? I wish I could share it.

I had a customer call yesterday and tell me that she wanted to drop off a couple baby quilts.HA. She dropped off six! I love her quilts.She embroiders them.So they are always very lightly peiced and always so much fun to look at. She also loves whatever I do. Gotta love those kind of customers. Plus now we have a lawyer to pay for.
While I was waiting I put in a couple passes on the quilt that was on the frame. Man it felt good. It gave me energy.So much so that when I came back inside I folded the sock basket. That is huge in this house.I hate folding it.So it piles up until there are socks spilling out all over the place and my hubby is gently reminding me that people need socks. Well now they have socks.
He also told me next week he is going to take Jerrod and they are going on sales calls.They will be gone a whole week.I am actually kind of jealous as they are going to drive up to Prudoe Bay. I have always want to drive that Hall road.Since Jer used to drive truck up there and would tell me all about it.Anyways, a part of me is sad but a bigger part is thinking a WHOLE week to calm down and get back on track.Quilting therapy,sleeping at night,not running and checking every door every five minutes! I think this is what we both need.He needs time with just the two of them.This will be a good thing I think.

It's Time

It's time to pick myself up and get on with things.

I wish I could say that it was going to be easy. I can't seem to get anything done if Jerrod is at home.All I want to do is listen and watch him. Jer is having the same problem. I am so thankful that he has a job that allows him to work from home. He does a lot of that and also is able to take Jerrod with him.I still cant seem to leave the house, so I am glad that Jerrod is not house bound with me.

He is also going to be a lot of work.I love my husband so much for many reasons but one of the main ones is that he always has been so involved and hands on.We got a little sidetracked here but he is right by my side to help get us back on track.

I hate either one of them being gone but I have come to realize things have to get done. I cleaned house today. I tried yesterday but it just didnt happen. I tried to go out to Gracie house and work also but that didnt happen either.Tomorrow I will try again.My oldest finally went back to work.What a great kid she is. I cry she hugs. I get mad she says something funny.Anything I need she is there. Wow we did good with that one. The youngest she is my helper too.We try and keep her away from most of it but explain what she does hear. Hopefully this kid will learn from the mistakes she is seeing and never go down that road.

Its amazing that one action can completly change everything. I cant say thank you enough to all that helped us look and to the ones that brought him home. The warm thoughts and prayers.The community around us that distributed flyers and even paid for flyers we had ordered. If anyone ever comes to Kenai and you see a coffee shop by the name of Funky Monkey, you have to go there. I will give them all my business and wish I could do more.Those people are incredible. But they were only a part of the wonderful people who helped.

Even my cyber friends who have never even met me.Wow. You ALL are amazing and I drew from your warm wishes. THANK YOU.

So now I am going to pick myself up. I made a hair appointment for Saturday so I know I HAVE to leave the house.No more panic attacks.Now I am going to get off of here and pick up some fabric. I may not do anything with it but I need to pick it up and hold it. Maybe I can even finish something, maybe.

THANK YOU

Jerrod is home.Thank you for your help.